6/4/09

almost got there, almost. taking it back to basics, have only worn the HR gizmo once this year, annoying,hassle. So, relying on benchmarks, perceptions of output, sensations.

Find a loop you like, a decentloop w/ small challenges, ride around it at an honest early season'tempo' pace, look at the numbers.first time 'round, 44mile w/ a 17.1avgfollowing week, roll around it again, 18.3avg.

remember the basic ways, recallthe old benchmarks. There was a loop I use to ride when I lived inFranklintown, 40miles on the button.The mark was getting around it in 2hrsor less, 20avg. Solid solo tempo work.

That was with a geared coasty bike.Don't have one of those anymore, but do still have the same motor. Haven't hit this year's benchmark loop in a few weeks, got out on it last night. Not excited about the typical secenery, so focus on something else, really focus and pedal. Keep the revs high, do the work on the small ups, qwik recover on the backsides, then keep the 40:15 spinning 20+ everywhere else.

Feel smooth, feel powerful, feel the wind,feel the rain, feel the chill, stoke the engine to keep it firing. Get lost in the music, lost in the rhytmn, lost in thesensations. Drink & pedal, head down focuson the white line. Make it round the loop,sit up for a cool down 10minute spin back into town. Check the numbers....40.7 in 2:05.

19.6avg, w/ warmup (19.2 full pull)...take away the first & last ten minutes, does it nudge up to 20? So close.